Apparatus for plying yarns



Dec. 1, 1959 N. E. KLEIN :TAL

APPARATUS Foa FLYING YARNs 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENORS ffw/ ATTORNEYS 0 000 0 00000 0000 000 0 00 00 .OOOGAWOMOMNWQWM Filed June l, 1955 Dec. l,1959 N. E. KLEIN ETAx. 2,914,903

APPARATUS FOR FLYING YARNS Filed June 1. 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 .5f ff ff.f3 ./f/ 7/ 7J 57 4 7/4 if a;- f il y d4 ff f6 @d .f3 L i fa AU ff Ww f/fz i? l j Z/ VJTgJ-A //7 Z5 Z a if .7/

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ATTORNEYS N. E. KLEIN EI'AL APPARATUS FOR PLYING YARNS Dec. l, 1959 4Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 1, 1955 INVENTORS ATTORNEYS M14-dav ola/MiDec. l, 1959 N. E. KLEIN Erm. 2,914,903

APPARATUS FOR FLYING YARNs Filed June l. 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 BY/dw-w,)UM v ma ATTORNEYS United States Patent O APPARATUS FR PLYING YARNSNorman E. Klein and Edward J. Wright, Pendleton, S.C., assgnors toDeering Milliken Research Corporation, Pendleton, S.C., a corporation ofDelaware Application June 1, 1955, Serial No. 512,552

29 Claims. (Cl. 57-58.3)

This invention relates to improved mechanisms and methods for plying orentwining together a number of strands to form one combined strand andmore particularly to mechanisms for plying or entwining together anumber of strands without appreciably changing the twist of theindividual strands.

The invention is applicable `to any flexible funicular structure,virtually without regard to composition or construction, and isparticularly applicable to strands of cotton, rayon, nylon or othertextile materials. All such strands or structures are referred to inthis specification and claims simply as yarns or strands, employedinterchangeably, and it is intended that these terms include allfilaments or assemblages of filaments or bers, either natural orartificial. The term plying is .used herein in the broad sense ofcombining any two or more yarns'into helical or entwined relationshiprather than in the strict sense of twisting only single yarns togetherand in the broa-dlsense may include the twisting together of strands iof previously twisted single yarns. While the invention is particularlysuitable for plying two yarns, it can be adapted for assembling three ormore yarns, the limit being iixed only by practical considerations.

ln the preparation of yarns for use in the manufacture" of automobiletires, industrial belts and in many other instances, it is desirable toply together two or more strands to form a cord having certain strength,elongation', abrasive resistance and eX-life characteristics. This ispresently accomplished, in most instances, by a multistep processwherein the individual strands are ygiven a Z twist and then twistedtogether in S fashion. In addition ,to requiring several steps, suchprocess has the further disadvantage in that the production rate of highquality cord consistent with reasonable cost is relativelyV low. Thisfollows from the fact that the rate of production is proportional tospindle speed. However, an economical spindle or twisting speed isdependent upon package size. While a relatively small package sizepermits high twistmg speeds it introduces a greater number of knots andrequires more'dofling time' from machine operators. If the package'islarge and the speed is also high, both the power consumption of thespindle and the cord tension will be high. Operation of the twistingequipment at high tension results in high winding tensions, therebysubjecting the cord to undesirably high tensions in the package forconsiderable periods of time.

It has been previously suggested that these diiculties could be overcomeby forming a balloon of one strand of yarn from a first supply packageabout a second supply package thereby plying, the strands together in ahelical manner. Commercial production with such prior art devicesinvolving a large number of spindles has not been a success because ofdiicultiesin obtaining-a uniform product in respect to its strength,elongation, abrasive resistance and flex-life characteristics.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved plyaction .spindle for entwinving twol or moreK ice strands about eachother in helical fashion without adding twist to the individual strands.

Prior art devices for twisting strands together by rotating a balloon ofa strand from a first supply package about a second yarn supply packagehave resulted in the two strands being brought together in an axialpassage of a rapidly rotating spindle. It is a feature of this inventionthat the strands from the first and second supply packages are broughttogether for plying at substantially the apex of the balloon, and it isthis feature together with tension control on each of the strands thatfacilitates the maintenance of better control of the rate of advancementof the yarns to the point at which plying takes place and of theposition of the yarn immediately prior to and during plying.

Heretofore, the location of the ply point, i.e., the point ofintersection of the strands undergoing combination, has been subject torandom transition as a result of variation in conditions, particularlythe tension in the strands,'

causing a nonuniform plying action. It is a feature of the invention tostabilize the location of the ply point irrespective of temporaryuctuations in plying conditions, such stabilization being achieved' byproviding symmetrical geometry of parts, equalized tensions and equalfeed rates of the strands.

A further feature of `the invention is to provide a Y- type plyingaction wherein each strand constitutes one branch of the Y and thecombined strand, the leg or base of the Y, which action results in abetter cord having higher ultimate strength, lower elongation andrelatively smaller gauge.

A still further feature of the invention is to provide ,p an improvedstrand ow equalizing device for a strand plying machine of the typewherein one strand is thrown in balloon like fashion about a strandpackage from which a second strand to be plied with the first is drawn.More speciiically, the improvement makes provision for directing eachstrand tothe ply point in Y fashion directly from a separate capstanwithout additional wrap-around guide means; the individual capstansabout which the respective strands are wrapped being mechanicallycoupledy for synchronous rotation in order that the linear advancementof both strands by a positive cord take-up will be the same. Theimprovement further provides an overall geometric symmetry of the strandflow paths to the ply point through the arrangement of capstans and themechanical coupling therebetween which permits right an-d left handedrotation of the capstans -with respect to each other. The improvementalso contemplates a further lowering of wrap-around guide resistance bythe alignment of at least one of the capstans with the infeedingdirection of the strand from the balloon.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a ply action spindle andyarn take-up mechanism in which the spindle and take-,up aresynchronously coupled in order that a high degree of accuracy may beexercised over the number of ply turns inserted for a given length ofplied yarn.

Also forming a part of the invention is the provision of a balloontension control means for automatically compensating and correctingtemporary lluctuations in balloon tension and con'liguration, andindependent tension control means for the strand being fed from thepackage within the balloon generatrix for automatically maintainingtheinfeed tension in such strand to its respective captan1 of the owequalizing device at a more constant eve The invention, in addition,contemplates an arrangement which provides for optimum operatorconvenience, especially in connection with threading up and doing.

AOther features and advantages of the invention, as well.

Patented Dec. l, 1959 as the details of representative embodiments, willbe revealed by the following detailed description when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure lis a sideelevation of a device embodying the present invention with the take-upmechanism and drive components related thereto being shown inperspective;

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical section taken substantially through theaxis of the ply action spindle but with the yarn llow equalizer in sideelevation;

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical section taken through the axis of theyarn flow equalizer but with one of the yarn engaging capstans shown inside elevation;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the yarn flow equalizer;

Figure 5 is a side elevation of a modified form of yarn iiow equalizer;

Figure 6 is an enlarged vertical section of the upper portion of thespindle showing a modified vform of yarn tension device;

Figure 7 is a plan View of the tension device shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the yarn guide insert memberused in the spindle shaft; and

Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the insert member of Figure8 viewed from an angle of 90 from that shown in the former figure.

In accordance with this invention, broadly speaking, a strand of yarnfrom an external source is supplied to a rotating yer which creates arapidly rotating loop or balloon in the yarn. An internal source of yarnis disposed within the thus formed balloon from which source a secondstrand is introduced to the ballooning strand substantially at the apexof the balloon. Interposed in the path of each yarn prior to theirconvergence is a capstan about which the strand is wrapped one or moreturns. The capstans are of substantially identical configuration and aremounted for rotation about their ndividual axes on a common supportwhich is also rotatable, and are disposed in symmetrical arrangementwith respect to the axis of rotation of the support. The capstans are,therefore, capable of simultaneous rotation about their individual axesand translation about the axis of the support. A synchronous mechanicalcoupling is provided between the capstans so that rotation of onecapstan in one direction causes a corresponding amount of rotation ofthe other capstan in the opposite direction when viewed from a positionnormal to the support axis of rotation and generally in line with eithercapstan axis. After merger of the yarns into a single plied yarn, theplied yarn is advanced by a take-up capstan and collected on a take-upbobbin, both the capstan and bobbin being driven through a powertake-off from the same power source which drives the whorl and iiyer ofeach spindle. Tension control devices are provided to regulate thetension in each strand and to automatically equalize balloon tension andconfiguration.

Turning now to a detailed description of the invention, in Figure l thenumeral 11 designates a yarn package (hereinafter referred to as theexternal yarn package), such as a cake, bobbin, spool or the like, whichis preferably supported, as by a peg 12, with its longi tudinal axisextending vertically in order that the strand of yarn from the packagemay be unwound over one end thereof. Situated above the package andsupported in any convenient fashion is a pigtail guide 13 and agenerally horizontally extending arm 14 carrying a plurality ofconventional disc tension devices 15 spaced in arcuate fashion along itslength. A grooved wheel or pulley 15a is placed in approximate verticalalignment with the axis of a ply action spindle, generally designated16, which is mounted on a frame 17, preferably with that axis inclinedsomewhat from the vertical.

As can be best seen from Figure 2, the ply action spindle is supportedby a generally cylindrical bolster 18 extending through an opening 20 inframe 17 with an outwardly directed ange 21 adjacent its upper endseating against the marginal portions of frame 17 and secured thereto bybolts 22 or other known securing devices. Housed within bolster 18 is aspaced pair of low friction bearings 24 and 26, at least one of whichrests on a shoulder 27 formed on the internal surface of bolster 18 andis thus adapted to support a vertical load. Extending through thebearings is a shaft 28 which is restrained against axial movementrelative to the bearings by lock nuts or washers cooperating withshoulders or steps provided on the shaft. The lower end of shaft 28projects beyond the confines of bolster 18 and carries a sprocket or cogwheel 30 fixedly retained thereon for rotation therewith by a lock nut32. Rotation of sprocket 30, and consequently, spindle 28 may bepositively effected by any convenient power source, for example, theshaft 34 of an electric motor 35, through a flat cog surface belt orchain 36.

Shaft 28 is provided with an axial passageway 38 starting at the base ofthe spindle and terminating in a radial opening 40 which registers withan aperture 42 in the wall of a sleeve 44 tightly embracing the shaftimmediately above bolster 18.

The lower confines of opening 40 and aperture 42 are defined by agrooved yarn guide insert member 41, details of which are shown inFigures 8 and 9. The upper confines of opening 40 and aperture 42 aredefined by an arcuate slot as shown extending radially inwardly throughthe sleeve 44 and a radial distance into the shaft 28 to communicatewith the axial passage 38. A lock ring 43 surrounding the lower end ofsleeve 44 and preferablyv having a shrunk t thereon retains insertmember 41 in place.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, it will be noted that insert member41 is generally of T shape in horizontal ycross section having anarcuate transverse face portion 230 of radius of curvature equal to thatof sleeve 44 and a circular quadrant web portion 232 symmetricallydisposed at right angles thereto. A channel 234 having a rounded bottomis provided in the circular edge side of the web portion 232, andextends across the upper end of the transverse portion 230. A similarlyshaped channel 236 is provided adjacent the upper end of face portion230 at right angles to and intersecting channel 234. Thus, it will beseen that the channel 234 provides an arcuate guide surface over which astrand of yarn can be drawn from the axial passage 38 to the exterior ofsleeve 44. The cross channel 236 makes provision for directing suchstrand laterally in either of two directions, depending upon theselected direction of rotation of the spindle. The intersecting surfacesof channels 234 and 236 are rounded and polished at 238 to provide asmooth surface for the strand or yarn being drawn thereover. At itsupper end, the sleeve is formed with a laterally projecting lip 45 andto this lip is secured the inner peripheral edge of a wildly flaringannular sheet metal member 46. Sleeve 44 and member 46 together`constitute what may be referred to as a dish shaped flyer. The externalcylindrical surface of sleeve 44 at the transverse level of opening 42is formed eccentrically with the axis of spindle 38 to constitute a yarnwrap-around storage device, the function of which will be more fullyexplained hereinafter. There is disclosed in a co-pending application ofNorman E. Klein, Serial No. 244,812, filed September l, 1951, and nowU.S. Patent #2,811,013, an improved storage device having two steps orstages which may be employed to good advantage in the present invention.

Projecting beyond the upper end of sleeve 44 is an extension 48 of.shaft 28 on which is secured by cooperating lock nuts and shoulders theinner races of two spaced low friction bearings 50 and 51. The outerraces of these bearings arepress tted into the bore of 52 of a.

sleeve 54 of generally frusto-conical external configuration, beingseated against shoulders 53 and 53 provided for that purpose in bore 52Sleeve 54 is adapted to ft within the taper central aperture of the cone56 of ayarnpackage 58 (hereinafter referred to Yas the internaly yarnpackage). Surrounding the internal yarn package for at least a majorportion of its vertical extent is a cylindrical housing 60 having at itslower end an annular end wall 61 and short extension 62 of greatlyreduced diameter. Extension 62 is tted tightly about a collar 63fashioned on the lower end of sleeve 54. The upper marginal portion ofhousing 60 is provided with a gasket 64 of pliablematerial such asneoprene which is adapted to be contacted by a lip 66 of a cover 67 forhousing 60. The cover 67 is preferablyhinged to the housing 60 by apliant strap hinge 68 of rubber or the like and is'adapted to be held inplace against the housing by a friction latch 69 diametrically opposedto hinge 68. The side walls of cover `67 form an approximate extensionof the side walls of housing 60 while its top wall 70 slopes graduallyupward to an apex at which is an aperture 71. The aperture 71 isprovided with a double ended trumpet 71a of suitable Wear resistantmaterial, the edges of which are smooth and rounded to prevent snagging`or abrading of the yarn. To prevent rotation of the internal package 58and housing `60 while the spindle is in operation, a weight 60a isattached to the housing eccentric with the spindle axis, gravity actingon the weight to hold the housing at rest; the general principle beingsimilar to that used in two-for-one spindles.

Supported by sloping top wall 70 of cover 67 is a bracket generallydesignated 72 consisting of an annular base 73, so deformed as to seatsnugly against the sloping top wall of housing 60 to which it isattached by any desired means, for example, bolts, a pair of upwardlyand inwardly inclined legs 76, secured at their lower ends to base 73 atpoints spaced about 90 apart about its periphery, and a clamping sleeve77 affixed to the upper ends of legs 76. Spaced about `a part of theperiphery base 73, preferably an arc of about 180 opposite to the legs76, is a plurality of disc tension devices 78 arranged with their axesextending generally vertically (at right angles to the plane of top wall70), by means of which a given tension is added to the yarn emergingfrom aperture 71. As can be seen in Figure 1, a longitudinal slot 79 iscut along the entire length of one side of sleeve 77 land an ear 80 isformed integrally with the sleeve on either side of the slot. Drilled inthe ears are registering apertures, one of which is threaded, and a bolt82 penetrates these apertures, being in engagement with the threadedaperture. Rotation of the bolt, of course, brings the ears closertogether to lessen the effective diameter of the sleeve. Preferably,sleeve 77 includes a collar 84 at its lower end having flats at spacedpoints corresponding to the spacing of legs 76 with respect to base 72to which the upper ends of legs 76 may be readily attached.

Supported by the clamping sleeve of bracket 70 is a yarn flow equalizingdevice generally designated 88,the details of which are revealed inFigures 3 and 4. This device includes a shaft 90 having at its upper endan enlargement 92 formed with two opposed upwardly and inwardly inclinedplanar faces 93. At its lower end, the shaft is press fitted into theinner race of twolow friction bearings 94 and 96 held apart by means ofa spacing tube 98. The outer race of bearings 94 and 96 is press ttedinto the ends of a sleeve 100 which is adapted to be frictionallyretained in clamping sleeve 77. Shaft 90 is thus freely rotatable aboutits longitudinal axis. There is provided in each of the opposite planarfaces `of enlargement 92 an aperture 102l having its axis at right`angles to the plane of the face and being tapped for the reception of'the l`threaded end 104 of a stub shaft 106. Intermediate theends ofshaft 106 is a collar 108 against one end of which' is seated the innerrace of a low friction bearing 110 held on the stub .shaft by a Vlocknut 112 threaded on the free end of shaft 106'.` The outer race` ofbearing 110 is press fitted into' the bore 114 of a hollow capstan 116which is thus` adapted for free rotation about shaft 106. The periph.-eral surface of capstan 116 is deeply grooved or channeled, as at 118.Provided on the lower end of the cape` stan 116 is an extension 120 andaperipheral series of beveled` gear teeth V122 is formed on the exteriorsurface of this extension.

largement 92 is a crown bevel idler gear 126 having its teeth inengagement with the gearing 122 of capstans 116. To give the necessaryclearance between the sleeve 100 and idler gear 126, a spacer washer 128is interposed between the bearings 124 and 94. The longitudinal assemblyis held together by a lock nut 129;

threaded on the lextreme lower end of shaft 90.

Extending throughout the entire length of shaft and enlargement 92 is anaxial passageway 130 that is coaxial with the axis of shaft 28 andaperture 71. Into the upper end of passageway 130 is press fitted oneend of a trough like yarn guide 132 projecting upwardly and laterallyfrom such upper end toward one of theI capstans 116 (which` will bedesignated 116 for purposes of distinction) and terminating in a lip 134which extends generally tangentially with respect to the peripheralsurface of the groove 118. The lateral portion of yarn guide 132'carries an upstanding blade like support 133 to which is secured a wraparound tension pin 135 that extends transversely over the lateralportion for a purposel that will be explained hereinafter. There is.ailixed to the enlargement 92 one end of a pigtail guide 136, the eye158 of the guide having its axis extending more or less tangentially tothe peripheral surface of the groove 118 of the capstan 116.

Referring back to Figure 1, located above the yarn l The idler roller146 is positioned so that its first groove on the right hand side is intangential alignment with the axis of shaft 90 of the yarn flowequalizer. A conventional take-up bobbin arrangement, including atraverse bear 148 carrying a yarn guide 150 and a take-up bobbin 152driven in the usual fashion by a surface contact roll 154 4are mountedabove the take-up rollers.

One of the features of the invention is a positive relationship betweenthe rotation of the take-up system and the ply action spindle and, tothis end, rotative power is supplied by a sprocket gear 160, xed -on theshaft 34 of motor 35, through a cog or chain belt 162 to a sprocketwheel 164 carried by one end of a generally vertically extending shaft166. At the other end of shaft 166 is aV beveled gear 168 meshing with abeveled gear 170 carried by a shaft 172 which extends at right angles toshaft 166. Also carried by shaft 172 is a spur gear 174 which transmitsrotation through an idler gear 176 to a spur gear' 178. The spur gear178 is disposed on lthe shaft 180 ofthe driven feed roller 144 andmeshes with another spur gear 182 secured'to the shaft 184 of drive roll154. In order to insure that the cord collected on take-up bobbin 152 iswound thereon at substantially constant tension, a friction clutch isprovided on shaft 184 which may consist yof two friction discs 186 and186 having adjacent faces in abutting contact and urged together bymeans of a compression spring 188 disposed between an axially adjustablecollar 189 and the disc 186.

The driving ratio between gears 178 and 182 is so selected that a slightoverdrive is obtained of the surface of drive roller 154 with respect tothe surface of feed roller 144 thereby causing slippage between the twofric-.l tion discs 186 and 186. conditions transmits ai constant torqueand consequently causes the cord to be taken upj on the bobbin 152 underconstant tension. By adjusting vthe position of the collarv Carried byshaft 90 for free rotation` with respect thereto, by means of ananti-friction bear` ing 124, and at a point intermediate sleeve and enThe friction clutch under such 7 189 axially with respectto the disc186', thenecessary tension in spring 188 is obtained to provide thetorque conditions that will give the wind-up tension desired. Sucharrangement, therefore, provides a selective wind-up tension of the cordover a range from below to that above the twist or ply tension.

Hence, the ratio between the rotation of the take-up system and the plyaction spindle may be given any desired value by the proper selection ofthe size of the various gears, sprockets, etc., of the drive componentsof the take-up system and for any particular arrangement of gearing andthe like remains constant, thereby insuring a high degree of accuracy ofthe ply turns inserted in the cord per unit length.

The operation of the mechanism will proceed as follows: A strand `ofyarn X from the package 11 is threaded through the pigtail guide 13 andbetween the discs of each of the disc tension devices 15. By means of asnake or semi-flexible threading leader, the strand X is led through theaxial aperture 38 of shaft 28 and out of the aligned radial openings 40and 42. It is then passed to one side of yarn housing 60 and yarnhousing cover 67 up through the eye 158 of pigtail guide 136 which isassociated with the yarn flow equalizer device. Next, one or more turnsof strand X are wrapped around the groove periphery of capstan 116 andthen wrapped several turns around takeup rollers 144 and 146. The yarnis then placed in guide 150 and finally wrapped severaltimes about theperiphery of take-up bobbin 152.

In the case of the strand Y issuing from internal package 58, it isfirst necessary to move the cover to its open position by disengagementof latch 69, in order that the package be accessible. While the cover isin open position, the strand Y is passed through the trumpet 71a inaperture 71, after which `the cover may be returned to and latched inclosed position. The strand is then threaded between the tension discs78 and passed upwardly through the axial aperture 130 of shaft 90 by theuse of a snake and then laid in the guide 132 and wrapped one or moreturns around the grooved periphery of capstan 116'. To completethreading up yarn Y, it is merely necessary to hold the yarn end incontact with yarn X and start the driving motor whereupon the two ends,X and Y, will start traveling over the feed rollers 144 and 146 toautomatically complete the threading operation.

When motor 35 is set in motion, shaft 28 and flyer 44, 46 are rotated,as is the take-up system. Rotation of these elements causes strand X torevolve in the form of a loop about the housing 60 and cover 67, thisrevolving loop being known in the art as a balloon The strand ingenerating the balloon assumes substantially the shape of arsine wave.Tension of the strand as it emerges from theballoon, as well as balloonsize and configuration, are controlled by the yarn wrap-around storagesurface 47 on the lower extremity of the flyer sleeve 44 coacting with aprimary tension such as produced by the disc tension array 15. Theprimary tension of the tension array 15 is so selected that for a givenyarn, spindle speed and geometry of wrap-around surface, the airfriction or drag ofthe balloon will cause a predetermined angular Wrapof the yarn about the surface 47. If the input tension on .the strand Xshould increase, the take-up speed being constant, there will result anincrease in the overall tension causing the balloon to contract.Thevcontraeted balloon due to its decreased circumferential velocity,offers less air friction and causes the yarn inthe balloon to speed up,thereby decreasing the amount of wraparound on the yarn storage surface.Decreasing the amount of wrap-around also decreases the tension, thusallowing the balloon to regain its normal size and configuration.

If the input tension should decrease, the yarn balloon will increase insize, increasing its circumferential velocity thereby` creating moreail-drag and a resulting increase in wrap-around about the yarn storagesurface. The increase in wrap-around is accompanied by a correspondingincrease in tension which again brings the balloon dimensions down tothe required size. Thus the yarn storage device in conjunction with aprimary tension acts as a regulator feeding the required amount of yarninto the balloon to maintain its geometry and the tension of theemerging strand substantially constant.

In order to facilitate better regulation of the balloon geometry for awide variety of kinds and Weights of yarn, the yarn storage surface ispreferably of the bilateral helical spiral groove type wherein the twosets of grooves are of opposite pitch and have progressively increasingradii. A yarn storage surface which will approximate the aboverequirements can be formed through the use of one eccentric surface or aplurality of eccentric surfaces of progressively increasing size. Forthe purpose of illustration, the yarn storage surface `47 is shown inFigure 2 as an eccentric two-step arrangement in which the lower steppresents a cylindrical surface that is eccentric with respect to theaxis of the spindle and the second or upper step, a cylindrical surfaceaxially displaced fromthe first surface but having a point of mergencewith the Ilower surface and a radius of curvature greater than the lowerstep but disposed in eccentric relation with the axis of the' spindle.This two-step storage surface makes provision for one turn of wrap ofthe strand with progressively increasing radial distances from the axisof the spindle. Consequently, operation can be selectedin the range oflever arm coupling drive to the balloon that best fits the controlrequirements of the particular yarn.

The foregoing arrangement provides sufiicient accuracy of balloon shapecontrol to avoid contact of the ballooning strand With the inner packagesupport and external separator members. However, for example, should astrand of thermoplastic material moving at high speeds come into contactwith such surfaces, abrasion and lowering of strength of the strand willresult.

The tension in strand Y as it approaches its capstan 116 is largelydetermined by the adjustment of the tension discs 78 mounted on the basemember 73 of bracket 72. It has been found that the running of yarn oflow breaking strength such as rayon at relatively high speeds gives riseto broken filaments as the result of twist insertion in the yarn betweenthe capstan 116' and the tension discs 78. Such yarn handles withoutbroken filaments by the insertion of additional tension in the strand Yjust prior to making contact with capstan 116. This additional tensionis provided by tension pin 135 disposed above the channel guide 132 andabout which the strand Y may be wrapped. Increasing the tension instrand Y adjacent the capstan 116' in this manner permits lowering oftension, as provided by discs 78, in the twist area thereby avoiding thebreaking of filaments in the strand. Thus by being able to maintain arelatively high tension in strand Y, the relatively high spindle speedrequired to produce a balloon tension in strand X matching the tensionin strand Y allows the spindle to run at speeds achieving highproduction rates.

The rotation of the yarn as it balloons about the internal yarn packageand housing causes a corresponding rotation in the yarn flow equalizerdevice 88 asia result of the engagement of the yarn n the pigtail guide136. As the equalizer rotates, capstans 116 and 116' guide therespective yarns along substantially xed converging paths until theymerge into a single combined yarn or cord. It should be emphasized thatthe gear 126 functions primarily as an idler and is freely rotatablewith respect to shaft 90 and sleeve 100. It does, however, function toprovide an energy component to the capstans 116-116 to oppose at leastin part the positlve resistance presented by the capstan bearings aswill be explained hereafter. The actual advancement of the, yarn throughVthemechanism is--carred out by the;

take-.up rollers 144 and 146. 'This advancement will, however, causerotation of the capstans 116-116 as a result of the frictionalengagement of the respective yarns their respective peripheral surfaces.Due to the fact that the capstans 116--116 are geared together, rotationof one must produce a corresponding rotation of the other; hence,assuming that the yarns are correctly threaded, itis impossible for oneyarn to be advanced through the mechanism at a linear rate greater thanthat at which the other yarn is advanced.

4The yarn flow equalizer 88 threaded as above described to lproduce Stwist is adapted for rotation in a counter clockwise direction as viewedin Figure 4. The geomf etry ofthe capstans 116--116 and the idler gear126 arey so proportioned that the feed rate of the strands X and Ywithin a desired ply twist range rotates the capstans ata speed to causeidler gear to also rotate in a counter clockwise direction but at aresultant speed slightly lower than that of the equalizer. Idler gear126 encounters air friction and windage which induces a torque counterto its direction of rotation. While this torque is produced largely bythe air friction and windage on the idler gear teeth, additional torquemay be secured through the use of vanes 140 disposed about the peripheryof the idler gear body. This counter torque isin a direction to assistthe rotation of capstans 116.-116' meshing with the idler gear 126. Thisassistance is preferably proportioned to provide a negative resistanceenergy component that is equal to the positive resistance presented bythe capstan bearings. Since the operating speed of the spindle is about6,000 to 10,000 r.p.m., the centrifugal forces on the capstan bearingsmay be as high as 1,000 to 3,000 g. which magnilies the bearing frictionmany times. Large bearing resistance induces yarn slippage, therebyreducing the eiectiveness of the capstans to maintain equal ow of thetwo yarns to the ply. point. An arrangement is thus provided whichovercomes these difficulties and insures optimum cord quality.

The above described arrangement permits the formation of a cord in truesymmetrical Y ply fashion having improvedl strength, elongation,abrasive resistance andl flex-life characteristics. More specifically,the symrnetrical disposition of the capstans 116 and 116 together withthe fact thatthey are coupled to each other for synchronous rotation,eliminates the necessity for precise tension control in each of thestrands X and Y in their approach to the capstans, which control wouldotherwise be necessary to produce a uniform product if no equalizercapstans were used.

While an improved ply cord can be produced using the arrangement ofstructure above described, it is desirable where the ultimate inbalanced ply twist action is desired to providefor regulation of tensionin strand Y as itis fed to the capstan 116 of the equalizing device 88.To this end the disc tension arrangement 78 may be replaced by acompensating tension device generally shown at 19,0 in Figure 6. Withreference to Figures 6 and 7, the numeral 192 designates a base platemounted on' the annular base 73, and is provided with two upstandingbolts 194 and 196, each of which is provided with a` bushing 197 ofceramic material and extends upwardly through a pair of centrallyapertured and coactir1 `g tension discs 198 and 200. A support plate 202isl secured to the upper ends of bolts 194 and` 196 between nults203g`as shown. The right hand edge of plate 202` is 'provided with a hinge204 to which is. attached a pressure plate 206. Plate 206 extends inpartial covering relation over the tension discs 198 and 2,00 and isprovided with, suitable apertures 208 in registration with pins v1 94and 196, but of diameter suiciently larger than the lower nuts 203. topermit swinging movement of the plate without. making Contact with thenuts. An annularlbearing member 210 isk ailixed to the underside ofplate 206.. in symmetrical. relation to each of the apertures 208.Disposed between each tension disc 200 and its respec- 10 tiveA annularbearing member 210, is a washer 212 of felt or other suitable resilientmaterial. An actuating arm 214 secured in any suitable manner topressure plate 206 extends latterly therefrom and terminates in adownwardly extending lip 216 on which is mounted a guide pulley 218.

Arm 214 is provided with an aperture 220 intermediate its ends toloosely accommodate an upstanding bolt 222 secured at its lower endagainst rotation to the base 192. The free end of the bolt 222 extendingthrough and beyond the arm 214 is encircled in the order named by atension spring 224, washer 226 and a knurled thumb adjusting nut 228.Thus, it will be seen that by adjusting the nut 228 toward and away fromthe arm 214 the force with which the tension discs 19S and 200 arebrought toward each other can be varied which consequently adds a giventension on a moving strandy threaded between the discs for a particularsetting of the adjusting nut.

In operation the strand Y from the package 58 is brought through thetrumpet 71a in aperture 71, threaded through a pigtail guide 193 anddirected between the two pairs of discs 198 and 200 and then under andupthe -device should increase, the tendency to produce` an increase inoutput tension will be sensed by the control arm 214 causing it to reactwith a greater force lagainst the tension of spring 224 thereby reducingthe pressure between the discs 198 and 200 to restore the originaltension level. A decrease in input tension causes the tension device 190to react similarly but in the opposite sense sol as to compensate forthe lower input tension by the addition of tension to restore theoriginal tension level. Thus by the proper selection and apportioningof'parts, the device 190 can be made to maintain substantially constantinput tension conditions in strand'Y as i-t enters the equalizing device88.

Any tendency for control arm 211 to hunt or overcontrol under rapidlychanging tension conditions is largely eliminated by suitable dampingmeans preferably in the form of a dash pot 215 supported on the base 73and containing a viscous liquid. A plunger 217 adapted to be submergedin the liquid has a lrod 219 pivotally secured at its upper end to thearm 214 at 221.

This arrangement provides the required damping actionl Withoutinterfering with the sensitivity of the tension device.

It will be apparent that a compensating tension device such as thatherein described has the advantage of not only maintaining a moreconstant tension level in one of the strands being plied, but ofproviding a highly efficient means for adjusting the tension level'tomatch that maintained in the balloon by the other strand. By calibratingthe position of the adjusting nut 228 of each spindle in a multi-spindleinstallation, a ready means is provided for quickly arriving at atension setting that will facilitate obtaining a more overall uniformcord product from the installation.

, In the embodiment just described, the yarn flow equalizer is xedlyassociated with the cover of the internal yarn package housing and ismovable bodily therewith. In some cases, this arrangement may bedisadvantageous, particularly in connection with threading up. There isdisclosed in Figure 5 a modified form of the invention in which suchdifculties are reduced by suspending the ow equalizer from the frame ofthe apparatus. According to this modified form, a sleeve 250 issupported 11 above the internal package housing in axial alignment withshaft 28 from a convenient point on the frame by an arm '252. Pressfitted into the bore of the sleeve adjacent each end thereof is a lowfriction bearing 253 from which a hollow shaft 254 is rotatablydependent. An elongated section 256 of shaft 254 below sleeve 250 is ofincreased diameter and is formed with a diametrical slot extendingcompletely therethrough except at the top corners, as at 258 and at thebottom, as at 260. The internal edges of solid portions 258 and 260should be rounded and smooth to prevent any possibility of the yarnbeing snagged or worn. At the lower end of slotted section 256 is anextension 262 which carries a freely and independently rotatable bevelidler gear 264 and -a small platform 266 having inclined side faces 268,the platform being joined to extension 262 for rotation therewith as bya set screw 270.

Each of the faces 268 is bored and tapped for the reception of thethreaded end of a stub shaft 272 which supports for free rotation acapstan 274, the axis of the stub shaft and capstan being perpendicularto the plane of the face. The capstans are formed with integral bevelgears 276 at their lower ends which mesh with idler gear 264. Belowplatform 266, a block 278 is aiiixed to extension 262 for rotationtherewith and a pigtail guide 280 projects generally laterally from eachof two opposite sides of the block with their eyes in approximatetangential alignment with opposite points on the periphery of each ofthe capstans 274. At the extreme termination of extension 262 is adownwardly directed L- or U-shaped yarn guide 282.

The threading up of the alternative arrangement will be more or lessobvious from the discussion of the original embodiment. Strand X, afterhaving been threaded through the ply action spindle, is passed throughthe eye of one of the pigtail guides 280 and wrapped several turns aboutone of the capstans 274. Then it is threaded through the slot in shaftsection 256 and up through the bore of shaft 254, following which, it ispassed to the take-up system in the previously described fashion.

Strand Y from the internal package, after having been threaded throughthe housing cover aperture, is passed through the other of guides280.and 282 and wrapped several turns around the opposite capstan 274.Next, it

is threaded through the slotted shaft section 256, the bore of shaft254, and, thence, to the take-up system.

`In either embodiment of the invention, it is essential that the yarnsbe in tractive, ie., nonslipping, engagement with the peripheralsurfaces of the capstans. Such engagement will ordinarily result if thecapstans are constructed entirely of metal and a sufficient number ofturns of yarn are wrapped therearound. Obviously, the peripheralsurfaces of the capstans should be smooth and the surface speeds thereofequal.

' It will be appreciated that the action of the plying spindle does notchange the twist in the individual strands except for a negligibleincrease or decrease imparted by over-end removal from the package.

While the foregoing description has dealt largely with a single plyaction spindle and its associated take-up mechanism, it will be readyapparent that the arrangement of parts as schematically illustrated inFigure 1 is ideally suited for operation in multiple of any suitablenumber of spindles disposed on a common frame from a common source ofmotive power.

Relative terminology, such as above, and below, etc., is used in thespecification and/or claims solely for describing the relationship ofcertain elements with respect to other elements when the apparatus is inits normal upright position and should not be construed as limiting theelements of the invention to this precise position.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:

i 1. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising, in combination, a first andsecond yarn package, rotating means for revolving a strand from saidfirst package in an -orbit encompassing said second package, freelyrotatable means for tractively engaging said orbiting strand, freelyrotatable means separate from said last mentioned means for traotivelyengaging a strand from said second package, mechanical means other thansaid yarn interconnecting said strand engaging means whereby rotation ofone causes a corresponding rotation of the other, a freely rotatablesupport mounted for rotation about the axis of revolution of saidorbiting strand and driven solely by the energy of revolution of saidorbiting strand, said freely rotatable means being mounted on saidfreely rotatable support for translatory motion about the axis of saidfreely rotatable strand driven support, and means for withdrawing saidyarns.

2. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising, in combination, a plurality ofyarn supply packages, means for revolving a strand from one of saidpackages in an orbit encompassing another of said packages, meansrotatable independently of said strand revolving means and me-vchanically intercoupled by other than said yarn for respectivelyengaging said orbiting strand and a strand from said encompassed packageat separate xed points, spaced similar distances laterally from the axisof said orbit and lying substantially in a common plane extending atright angles to said orbit axis, and for delivering said strands at thesame linear rate along symmetrical paths fromsaid fixed points to acommon point on said axis, a freely rotatable support member mounted forrotation about the axis of revolution of said orbiting strand and drivensolely by the energy of revolution of said orbiting strand, saidindependently rotatable means being mounted on said freely rotatableorbiting-strand-driven support member for translatory movement about theaxis of re-l volution of said orbiting strand, at which common pointsaid strands are plied, and means for withdrawing the combined yarns.

3. Apparatus for plying a plurality of yarns compris-v ing, incombination, a plurality of supplies of yarns, means for ballooning oneof said yarns about the supply 0f another of said yarns, a first capstaninterposed in the path of said balloon below the apex thereof, saidcapstan being adapted for frictional engagement with said yarn andfurther adapted to follow said yarn in a circular path as the yarn isballooned, a second capstan adapted to move in the same circular path assaid first capstan but out-ofphase therewith and further adapted tofrictionally engage said other yarn and guide the same along a pathintersecting with the path of said ballooning yarn to ply said yarnstogether, a support freely rotatable about the axis of said balloon andrevolved solely by the energy of revolution of said ballooning strand,said capstans being mounted on said support for translatory movementabout the axis of said balloon and being individually rotatable.

about their respective axes and being mechanically synchronouslycoupled, whereby linear advancement of one of said yarns brings about acorresponding linear advancement of the other of said yarns, and meansfor withdrawing the plied yarn.

4. Apparatus for plying a plurality of yarns comprising, in combination,a supply of a first yarn, a rotatable :tlyer for forming a balloon insaid first yarn, a supply of a second yarn disposed within said balloon,a substantially identical pair .of capstans arranged angularly withrespect to the plane perpendicular to the balloon axis and in spacedsymmetrical relationship with the axis of said balloon near the apexthereof and mounted for simultaneous rotation about their individualaxes and translation about the balloon axis, each of said capstans beingadapted to have its peripheral surface in nonslipping engagement withone of said yarns and to guide the same along a substantially fixed pathsymmetrical with the path of said other yarn to a point of intersectionwith the path of said other yarn, at which point said yarns are plied,means coupling said capstans whereby rotation of eitherof said capstans1through a given are in one direction. effects rotation of the othercapstan through the same are in the same direction each said capstansrotating about an axis having a component extending along said balloonaxis, and means for withdrawing said plied yarn at' asubstantiallyconstant linear rate.

5. Apparatus forplying a plurality of yarns comprising, in combination,a supply of a rst yarn, a rotatable flyer for forming a balloon in saidlirst yarn, a supply of a second yarn disposed within said balloon, asubstantially identical pair of capstans arranged in spacecl symmetricalrelationship with the axis of said balloon near the apex thereof andmounted for simultaneous rotation about their individual axes andtranslation about the balloon axis, each of said capstans being adaptedto have its peripheral surface indnonslipping engagement with one ofsaid* yarns and to guide the same along asubstantially fixed pathsymmetrical with the path of said other yarn to a point ofintersection'with the path of said other yarn, at which point said yarnsare plied, means coupling saidr capstans whereby rotation of either ofsaid capstans through a given arc in one direction effects rotation ofvthe other capstan through the same arc in the same direction and meansfor withdrawing said plied yarn at a substantially constant linear rate,the translation of said pair of capstans about the balloon axis beingproduced by the first yarn forming` the balloon, and means includingsaid means coupling said capstans for transmitting a torque componentfrom the balloon to each of said capstans in a direction opposing therotative resistance of said capstans about their individual axes.

6. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising a first yarn package, arotatable spindle having an axial passageway terminating in' a radialopening through which the yarn from said rst package passes, a yarnsupply platform nonrotatably supported by said spindle, a second yarnpackage on said platform, a freely rotatable member supported above saidsecond package coaxially with said spindle and having an axialpassageway through which the yarn from said second package passes, uponrotation of said spindle theyarn. from said first package during itspassage between said radial opening and said rotatable member beingthrown in balloon like manner about said second yarn package, a pair ofcapstans rotatably carried in symmetrical relationship by said memberwith their angularly disposed with respect to the member axisandincluding at least one point common to said axis and the axis of eachother, one of said capstans being adapted to receive` at least one turnof the yarn from said first package and the other adapted to receive atleast one turn of the yarn from said second package, said capstansfunctioning in operation to guide said yarns along convergingsymmetrical paths to a ply point lying on the axis of said spindle,guide means supported above said ply point coaxially with said spindleaxis, and means for withdrawing the plied yarn.

7. The apparatus as in claim 6 including a synchronous coupling betweensaid pair of capstans whereby rotation of one causes correspondingrotation of the other.

8. The apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said coupling is mechanicalcomprising a gear associated with each of said capstans for rotationtherewith and an idler gear rotatably supported by said member inengagement with said capstan gears.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 including means for applying a torque tosaid idler gear counter to its direction of rotation whereby a negativeresistance energy component is applied to said capstan to oppose thepositive rotational resistance encountered by the capstans in rotatingabout their respective axes.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the means for applying a countertorque to said idler gear comprises at least one vane extending radiallyoutwardly from the periphery of said gear.

1 1. The apparatus of claim 6 including a, tl'Qllglllike; yarn guideextending, from the termination of the member passageway to a pointadjacent the periphery of one of said capstans.

l2. The apparatus of claim ll' including a yarn tension. amplifierdisposed ladjacent said trough like yarn guide for increasing thetension in .the yarn immediately priorv to its delivery to said onecapstan. d

13. The apparatus of claim fincludng a cylindrical housing enclosingsaid-` second yarn package and having4 an axial opening for the yarnfrom said package and a. yarn tensioning array for engagement with saidsecond. yarn Supported by said housing intermediate the housing and saidmember.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the yarn tension array forengagement with, said second yarny cornprises an adjustable tensionregulator for selectively'main-y taining substantially constant tensionconditions in said second yarnas itis delivered to itscorrespondingcapf; stan. j

15,. The apparatus ofV claim 13 including a bracket sup. ported at oneend by said housing and at theother end, rotatably supporting saidmember.'

16. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said member is provided with a yarnengaging element projecting laterally therefrom.

17. The apparatus `of claim 6 wherein said spindle isv provided at saidvopening with a yarn storage surface formed eccentrically with thespindle axis toautornaticallycontrol the tension in the yarn balloon,

I8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said spindle a radial slot havingan arcuate upper surface extendingl into communication with theaxial'passage in the spindley to define in` part said radial opening,and an insert mem-l ber disposed within said slot having a channeltextit-.ridingvr inwardly along an arcuate face thereof, 1said channel,Icoacting with the arcuate surfaceiof said slotto define, a yarnpassageway-from said axialL passageway toasaidy opening, and a lock ringdisposed about said spindle to secure said insert member in place.

19. The apparatus of claim 18y wherein the insert niem-` ber has atransverse channel extending inwardly, from"v its outer surface inintersectingV relation with said channelalong said arcuate face toprovider a yarn guide` path; in. either circumferential direction at theouter surface of` the spindle.

v 20. A device for plying yarn comprising .a first` rotatable spindlehavingan axial passageway therein terminate` ing in a radial opening, anextension on said spindle projectingr beyond said opening, a yarn supplyplatform non-j rotatably supported by said extension, a second rotatablespindle having an axial passageway therethrough supported beyond saidplatform coaxially with said first spindle, a plurality of stub shaftscarried by said second spindle with their axes angularly disposed withrespect to the axis of said second spindle, a corresponding plurality ofmechanically interconnected substantially identical capstans rotatablysupported by said stub shafts, and take-up means supported beyond saidsecond spindle.v

2l. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising a frame, a first yarn packageon said frame, a spindle rotatably supported by said frame above saidrst package, said spindle having an axial passageway extending through asubstantial portion thereof and terminating in a radial opening throughwhich the yarn from said tirst pack-age is adapted to pass, a secondyarn package supported by said spindle above said radial opening forrelative rotation with respect to said spindle, a freely rotatablemember supported from said frame labove said second package insubstantially axial alignment with the spindle axis, said member havinga diametrical slot extending entirely therethrough for a portion of itslength and an axial passageway communicating with said slot andextending upward the remainder of its length, a pair of independentlyrotatable capstans symmetrically carried by said member below saidslotted portion with their axes angularly disposed with respect to themember axis and including at least one point common to said axis and theaxis of each other, one of said capstans being adapted to receive atleast one turn of 4the yarn from said first package and the other atleast one turn of the yarn from said second package, said capstansfunctioning in operation to guide said yarns along convergingsymmetrical paths to a ply point located within the slotted section ofsaid member, and take-up means for withdrawing plied yarns from said plypoint through the axial passageway in said member.

`22. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising, in combination, a rst andsecond yarn package, rotating means for revolving a strand from saidfirst package in an orbit encompassing said second package, freelyrotatable means for tractively engaging said orbiting strand, freelyrotatable means separate from said last mentioned means for tractivelyengaging a strand from said second package, mechanical means other thansaid yarn interconnecting s'aid strand engaging means whereby rotationof one causes a corresponding rotation of the other, and means forwithdrawing said yarns, the axes of each of said freely rotatable meansbeing canted lwith respect to each other.

23. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising, in combination, a first andsecond yarn package, rotating means for revolving a strand lfrom saidfirst package in an orbit encompassing said second package, freelyrotatable .means for tractively engaging said orbiting strand, freelyrotatable means separate from said last mentioned means for vtractivelyengaging a strand from said second package,

mechanical means other than said yarn interconnecting said strandengaging means whereby rotation of one causes a corresponding rotationof the other, and means for withdrawing said yarns, said freelyrotatable strand engaging means being rotatable as a unit about the axisof said orbit, the individual axes of said freely rotatable means eachintersecting the axis of said orbit.

24. A ply action strand equalizing device comprising a freely rotatablestrand balloon driven shaft, means rotatably supporting said shaft, aplurality of yarn engaging freely rotatable capstans carried by saidshaft and disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis of said shaft,said capstans each having an axis separate from said shaft axis andbeing mechanically intercoupled for synchronous rotation about .theirrespective axes.

*25. A ply action device according to claim 24 including a gearinterconnection between said capstans.

26. A ply action strand equalizing device comprising a freely rotatablestrand balloon driven shaft, means rotatably supporting said shaft, aplurality of yarn engaging capstans carried by said shaft and disposedsymmetrically With respect to the axis of said shaft, said capstans eachhaving an axis angularly disposed with respect toy an imaginary planeperpendicular to the axis of rotation of said shaft.

27. A ply action strand equalizing deviceV comprisingr 28. A ply actionstrand equalizing device comprisingI a freely rotatable support, aplurality of yarn engaging freely rotatable capstans carried by saidrotatable support and disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis ofsaid support, said capstans each having an axis separate from saidsupport axis and being mechanically intercoupled for synchronousrotation about their respective axes, said support having an axial yarnguiding aper- .ture formed therein and a yarn balloon engaging guidethereon adapted to intercouple said support to a yarn balloon forrotation of said support.

29. A ply action strand equalizing device comprising a freely rotatablesupport, a plurality of yarn engaging freely rotatable capstans carriedby said support and disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis ofsaid support, said capstans each having an axis separate from saidsupport axis and being intercoupled for synchronous rotation about theirrespective axes, the respective axes of rotation of each of saidcapstans having a component extending longitudinally along the axis ofrotation of said support, and means coupling said capstans for rotationeach in the same angular direction about their axes as viewed from apoints on the axis of rotation of said support.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,684,533 Bouvier Sept. 18, 1928 2,503,242 Clarkson Apr. 11, 19502,732,680 Vibber Jan. 31, 1956 2,811,012 Klein Oct. 29, 1957 FOREIGNPATENTS 712,840 Great Britain Aug. 4, 1954

